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A meeting of some of the citizens of this county, without regard to
color, was held in the Court House on Monday last, for the purpose of
sending delegates to the Convention to assemble in Richmond on August the
first. John Yates was called to the chair and Geo. McCutchen appointed
Secretary.
The following preamble and resolutions, reported by a Committee appointed
to draft resolutions, consisting of Messrs. David Fultz, Samuel Cline and
Samuel Driver, (whites) and Phillip Roselle and Benjamin Downey
(colored,) were adopted:
"This meeting, deeply impressed with the importance of a speedy
restoration of the people to their political rights, and to have once
more elected over them a Government of their own choice; securing to all
the blessings of peace and prosperity; and heartily approving of the
Convention proposed to be held in the city of Richmond on 1st of Aug., to
take into consideration the important subject of reconstructing the State
Government, and restoring the Union. Therefore be it Resolved:
1st, That it is the imperative duty of every good citizen, of all
parties and without distinction of color, promptly and in good faith, to
give their aid to the work of reconstruction, in accordance with the
requirements of the Military Bills.
2nd, That the only security for our Republican insititutions is a speedy
re-union of all the States, under the constitution of the United States.
3d, That the Constitution of the United States is the Supreme law of the
Land, and to the extent of the powers delegated, by it, every citizen
owes allegiance first to that government: and it is only in reference to
the reserved powers that his allegiance is due to the State Government.
4th, That David Fultz, Esq., the Rev. Geo. A. Shuey, and Maj. John Yates,
white, Benj. Downey and Aaron Shoveler, colored, be appointed delegates
to represent this Meeting in the Convention to be held in Richmond on the
1st of August next.
5th, That the Newspapers of Staunton and the Richmond Whig be requested
to publish the proceedings of this meeting.
JOHN YATES, President."
GEO. W. McCUTCHEN, Secretary
Speeches were made by Mr. Fultz, Henry Davenport (colored) E. L. Houff,
Phillip Roselle (colored,) and Mr. Jackson, Agent of the Freedmen's
Bureau. We were unable to be present, but learn that the speeches were
conservative in their tone, and those of the colored speakers very
amusing, bringing down the house repeatedly with the happy points made. |